House GOP changes rule that could remove DeLay

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House Democrats yesterday opted to keep their current leadership for the next Congress, while House Republicans voted to change their internal rules in an attempt to ensure that their team is not disrupted.

The House Republican caucus altered a 10-year-old rule requiring a leader who is indicted to relinquish his post. The move comes amid concern that House Majority Leader Tom DeLay might be indicted by a Texas prosecutor who has indicted two of Mr. DeLay's top associates in connection with a battle over congressional redistricting in that state.

Democrats never had any rule similar to the Republican measure, which was one of several reforms adopted after the Republican Party captured control of Congress in 1994.

Republicans said yesterday's change was not specifically instituted to protect Mr. DeLay, but described the old rule as an invitation to politically motivated prosecutions by Democrats.

"Today's rule change will lessen the possibility of political exploitations that disrupt our House leadership," said Rep. Henry Bonilla, the Texas Republican who spearheaded the change. "Today's rule change will take a weapon away from partisan, media-hungry legal hacks."

The new version of the rule -- approved by voice vote after hours of caucus debate and despite several dissenting votes -- would require a leader or committee chairman to step down only if convicted of a crime. In the case of indicted leaders, the Republican Steering Committee would review the indictment and make recommendations to the Republican conference, which could opt to act.

"It's not up to some Democratic district attorney in Texas to make that decision; it's up to the conference," said Mr. DeLay, Texas Republican.

Republicans, however, weren't unanimous on the change.

"I totally respect our leadership, top to bottom, but this sends the wrong message," said Rep. Zach Wamp, a Tennessee Republican who voted against the rule change.

"I would have a hard time going to a community meeting and defending what we just did in this room," said Rep. Christopher Shays, Connecticut Republican.